BI3MI17-Medical Imaging

Module Provider: School of Biological Sciences
Number of credits: 20 [10 ECTS credits]
Level:6
Terms in which taught: Autumn / Spring term module
Pre-requisites: BI1PH17 Physics for Biomedical Engineering BI2SP17 Signal Processing
Non-modular pre-requisites:
Co-requisites:
Modules excluded:
Current from: 2021/2

Module Convenor: Dr John Bowen
Email: j.bowen@reading.ac.uk

Type of module:

Summary module description:

In this module, you will gain an understanding of the techniques and processes for creating visual representations of the interior of the body for clinical analysis and medical intervention. The module covers the fundamentals, operation, design and application of the most commonly used medical imaging systems, including MRI, CT and ultrasound imaging, as well as fluorescence microscopy techniques. Relevant image processing techniques will be covered, with emphasis on those based around functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI). The module consists of lectures and practical sessions, during which you will learn to view, process and analyse human fMRI data.

Aims:
To understand the techniques and processes of creating visual representations of the interior of the body for clinical analysis and medical intervention. The module covers the fundamentals, operation, design and application of the most commonly used medical imaging systems, including MRI, CT and ultrasound imaging. Relevant image processing techniques are also covered.

Assessable learning outcomes:
Understanding of the principles, operation and application of medical imaging modalities. Knowledge of the capabilities and limitations of each technique. The ability to design medical imaging systems. The ability to use and understand image processing tools to process/analyse biomedical images. To apply the methodologies involved in an intelligent manner and gain a basic understanding of the strengths and weaknesses of the methods.

Additional outcomes:

Outline content:

Principles and operation of: Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI), x-ray imaging, Computed Tomography (CT), Ultrasound Imaging, Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT), Planar Scintigraphy, Single Photon Emission Computed Tomography (SPECT), Positron Emission Tomography (PET), Terahertz (THz) imaging (non-invasive biopsy and inter-operative probes), and fluorescence microscopy techniques. Image processing techniques for medical imaging modalities: Pre-processing of the imaging data; the general linear model and how it is used for modelling fMRI data; design efficiency for fMRI experiments; estimating haemodynamic impulse response functions; the principles and applications of principal component analysis.

Brief description of teaching and learning methods:
Lectures, assignments and revision tutorials